general

General is defined as something most common, usual, most used or vague.

(adjective)

An example of general used as an adjective is a general election where voters can vote for anyone they choose.
An example of general used as an adjective is someone speaking in a general way, a way that most people will understand.

The definition of a general is a military officer.

(noun)

An example of a general was former president Dwight Eisenhower who was a five-star general in the U.S. Army.

See general in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

of, for, or from the whole or all; not particular or local: a general anesthetic, the general welfare
of, for, or applying to a whole genus, kind, class, order, or race: the general classifications of matter
existing or occurring extensively; common; widespread: a general unrest
most common; usual: the general spelling of a word
concerned with the main or overall features; lacking in details; not specific: the general features of a plan
not precise; vague: to speak in general terms
senior or highest in rank: an attorney general
not connected with or limited to one branch or department of learning, business, etc.; not specialized: a general store

Origin: ME < OFr < L generalis < genus (gen. generis), kind, class: see genus

noun

the main or overall fact, condition, idea, etc.
the head of some religious orders
Archaic the public; populace
1. any of various military officers ranking above a colonel; specif., U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force such an officer, with an insignia of four stars, ranking above a lieutenant general
2. U.S. Marine Corps an officer of the highest rank
an anesthetic that makes a patient unconscious
in full general anesthetic

See general in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Concerned with, applicable to, or affecting the whole or every member of a class or category: “subduing all her impressions as a woman, to something more general” (Virginia Woolf).
Affecting or characteristic of the majority of those involved; prevalent: general discontent.
Of or affecting the entire body: general paralysis.
Being usually the case; true or applicable in most instances but not all: the general correctness of her decisions.
a. Not limited in scope, area, or application: as a general rule.
b. Not limited to or dealing with one class of things; diversified: general studies.
Involving only the main features rather than precise details: a general grasp of the subject.
Highest or superior in rank: the general manager.

noun

a. Abbr. GEN or Gen or Gen. A commissioned rank in the U.S. Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps that is above lieutenant general.
b. One who holds this rank or a similar rank in another military organization.
A general officer.
A statement, principle, or fact that embraces or is applicable to the whole.
General anesthesia.
Archaic The public.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Latin generālis

Origin: , from genus, gener-, kind; see genə- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: